This summer, explore the best of Asia at these countries that offer a hassle-free visa experience to travellers from India
It is that time of the year when our travel mood boards are in the works, destinations are being chalked out, and bookings are being made. But if you’re planning to hop on a flight to an international destination, chances are that you have visa stress on your mind. Getting a visa can seem cumbersome, and many times, it sure is. But some Asian countries ensure you no longer need to worry about that, and here is a list of them.
Maldives
The Maldives is a popular vacation destination for Indians. Indian visitors to this stunning island nation are offered a free visa waiver. Yet, to pass through immigration upon arrival, you’ll need to present a few different kinds of travel documents. A valid passport, an itinerary with confirmed return tickets and hotel bookings or proof of finances, and a declaration form are required. Indians can extend their 30-day Maldives tourist visas to 90 days.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a small island off the southern coast of India, is a tropical paradise. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, lush forests, and cultural traditions. Indian visitors to Sri Lanka can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Before visiting Sri Lanka, one must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is easily accessible online.
Thailand
Thailand’s beaches, nightlife, food, and cheap shopping draw the attention of Indian tourists. Thai temples are also important tourist destinations. Thailand offers visas-on-arrival to 19 countries, including India. A passport with at least one month of validity, a valid and verified Thai address (your hotel or accommodation), a confirmed return airline ticket, and evidence of cash of at least 10,000 THB (Rs 23,390) for single travellers are required.
Myanmar
Myanmar is an excellent destination for Indian travellers seeking a unique cultural experience and a chance to explore one of India’s neighbouring countries. Indian travellers can quickly get a VOA when in Myanmar, which grants its holder a maximum stay of 30 days in the country. There is even a faster and simpler process to gain entry to the country—by applying for an electronic Myanmar visa.
Indonesia
Indonesia has stunning beaches, a unique culture, old temples, natural beauty, and fabulous food. Some famous Indonesian hotspots include Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Indonesia grants 30-day visas on arrival. A Covid-19 vaccination certificate and a six-month passport are required. Before arriving, download the PeduliLindungi app and complete your profile.
Macau
Macau is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. It is on the southern coast of China and is known for its unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Visitors from India who plan to stay in Macau for less than 30 days do not need a visa. A passport with at least six months left on its expiration date is required for entrance. To stay for more than 30 days, visitors must have a visa that allows for such a stay or request a visa extension.
Cambodia
Travellers from all over the world, including those from India, will find that their time in Cambodia is unforgettable. A person can apply for a visa online before departure from India. It will only take a few minutes to complete the form, and historical data shows that visas are typically issued within three to four business days.
Laos
Laos has seen an increase in Indian arrivals in recent years. Pre-arrival visa applications for Laos are not required. A valid passport or other travel document is required to obtain a VOA in Laos. The Laos VOA is valid for a total of 30 days. A valid passport with at least six months remaining after your planned departure date from Laos is required for all visitors.
Vietnam
In the past few years, the Vietnamese government has tried to make getting a visa easier for people from India. You’ll need at least six months of validity on your passport and some recent passport-sized pictures. You can opt for a multiple-entry visa valid for one month, a multiple-entry visa valid for three months, or a single-entry visa valid for three months.